Australian fires - if you want to help - OT

"On the evening of October 8, 1871 the worst recorded forest fire in North American history raged through Northeastern Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, destroying millions of dollars worth of property and timberland, and taking between 1,200 and 2,400 lives." quote from

People can't imagine what this kind of fire is like - I read a book about the Peshtigo fire and was stunned when I learned that a locomotive going full steam barely escaped the flames. Entire towns were, at one moment, going about there normal summer activities and in the next, they were in the middle of a fire that resembled a huge tornado in intensity. Fire and wind were inseparable, and the heat generated by the fire only added fuel to the wind. These poor people in Australia are truly in shock, because no one can possibly be prepared for this kind of disaster.

In the Simply Music community, I know a LOT of piano teachers in Australia, because the founder of the Simply Music method began there. Here are some emails I've received:

"It has finally got to me now. Why? because of the beautiful souls out there who are offering strangers food, clothing and accomodation. The generosity of people when the tough get going shows the depth people do have. One of my friends was given clothes today, someone went and bought! What did my friend do? buy food to take to those who needed help. The selflessness within her amazes me (not really that is why I love her so much) but everyone is pitching in a helping... Thank you all, we do know your are behind us all and look forward to an end to the devastation so we can move forward." "It is like a war zone. Other friends who volunteer have driven through and have seen the burnt out cars with the bodies still inside. There is a huge amount of work for the authorities to do before we can go and check our properties and really start the mourning process. This has certainly been a black day for Victoria. Prayers and thoughts will be needed for the long haul." "A centre where I have done 18 years of profound personal growth work in the Yarra Glen area is razed and the people (my teachers) helicoptered out. My grandson is in a threatened area - Hurtbridge.. The fires were 20 km.s from me on the farm here. The impact is vast.I'm in shock."

For current news, pictures, and general info:

To donate $ to the redcross in Australia: Musicmaker